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Nissan provides early look at new Versa hatchback: Autoweek TV

July 16, 2012

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Also in this episode: Honda might build a small crossover on the Fit platform, the Lexus LF-LC coupe concept moves closer to production and a new documentary sheds light on the Dark Knight's stable of Batmobiles.

TRANSCRIPT

-- Nissan previews the new Versa hatchback.

-- Honda considers a crossover based on the Fit.

-- A new Lexus coupe is headed our way.

-- And a new documentary looks inside Batman's garage.

I'm Jake, taking a few minutes to chill down with a Tuesday edition of Autoweek TV. Here's today's news:

--

Nissan redesigned the Versa sedan last summer and moved it onto a new platform. But the Versa hatchback has soldiered on unchanged.

That will change next year, when a new Versa hatchback arrives, using the same platform as the Versa sedan.

Nissan on Monday gave us a preview of the new Versa by unveiling the Note small car for Japan and Europe.

There are few details to go along with seeing the new Versa. But we expect it to share the 109-hp four-cylinder engine used by the Versa sedan.

--

A report from Japan says that Honda is considering building a small crossover off the platform for the redesigned Fit.

According to Automotive News, the plan would help Honda reach its goal of selling 1 million vehicles off the new platform. It would also give Honda a competitor to the wildly styled Nissan Juke.

The redesigned Fit is expected to arrive in the United States next year. Honda is building a plant in Mexico to begin Fit production there in 2014.

--

Our friends at Automotive News also report that the stunning Lexus LF-LC coupe concept we saw at the Detroit auto show in January is likely headed for production.

The LF-LC was drawn up by Toyota's Calty design studio in California.

In January, Lexus execs said there were no plans to build the Lexus coupe, which would be a replacement for the long-gone SC coupe in the brand's lineup.

But Toyota insiders are now saying that reaction to the LF-LC was so strong that plans are changing. A production version could be in showrooms in three to four years.

--

That's the news for now.

You may have heard that there's a new Batman movie coming out this weekend, The Dark Knight Rises. Well, as part of the hype, the studio has produced a documentary of all the Batmobiles--even going back to George Barris' creation for the TV show.

Here's a preview of that documentary. Atomic batteries to power, turbines to speed!